European carriers are interested in purchasing MS-21 aircraft

Despite sanctions imposed against Russian Federation, European carriers are showing interest in purchasing the indigenous MS-21 airliner. Irkut Corporation will start the jet’s mass production in 2017. It was confirmed by a number of lessors and a source close to United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Izvestiya reports. Irkut Corporation (part of UAC) also confirmed the trend.

“We have already started promotion of the aircraft both in Russia and foreign countries, — said representative of Ilyushin Finance & Co. leasing company, which has already signed a firm contract for delivery of 50 MS-21 aircraft. — We see that European, Middle Eastern and Asian carriers show interest in this jet. All of them are waiting for the first prototypes and results of the first tests. He declined to name certain carriers”.

Irkut Corporation is really negotiating with some potential buyers from foreign countries, a source close to UAC said. First of all, the manufacturer is going to promote the aircraft in countries, which deliver parts for MS-21.

“Some equipment for the airliner is manufactured by foreign companies, including European ones, and, of course, Irkut hopes to find customers in these countries,” he said.